A former Rydal Penrhos pupil is looking for votes to help secure a grant to fund a castle restoration project.

Dr Mark Baker, who left the school in 2003, has led a group of volunteers’ intent of fixing the historic Gwrych Castle, which overlooks Abergele and can be seen from the A55 expressway.

The project has been shortlisted for a public vote in Tesco’s #BagsofHelp initiative, which will see three community projects awarded grants of £12,000, £10,000 and £8,000 – all raised from the 5p bag charge.

A post on the Trust’s Facebook page, said: “When you shop you will be given a token and with that you will have the opportunity to vote for the Gwrych Castle Garden Restoration!

“This grant will enable the Trust to restore the historic formal gardens back to its former glory. The aim of the Trust is to ensure that the public has access to this great heritage asset. The re-creation of this designed landscape as a community garden provides a new chapter in the castle’s history.”

Voting can be done at Tesco stores in Abergele, Prestatyn and Llandudno Junction, and the deadline for votes is Sunday, November 13.

The Grade I listed site was left to rot for decades, but the Trust, which comprises of 65 volunteers and was formed in 1997, has restored the impressive Gardener’s Tower and they lit the stove and main fireplace for the first time in 100 years at their Open Day in May.